DEER SEASON CROSSBOW TIME
The cool chill of Maryland’s deer archery woods gets some added opportunity for harvesting a doe or buck during the next two weeks as crossbows can again be used. Southern Maryland Hunters can use crossbows to hunt deer from January 16 through the 31st, as can others in the rest of Deer Management Region B. Crossbows continue to grow in popularity among deer archery enthusiasts and include options such as assists to cock or pull back the powerful cable which propels the bolt, when the trigger is pulled. There is a new set of nomenclature which deer hunters need to become familiar with concerning crossbows, among them is the fact that the projectile is called a bolt and not an arrow. There are several models available through manufacturers, so stop by your local hunting equipment supplier and ask them for recommendations. There are even ambidextrous crossbow models for the left-handed shooter.
Southern MD & Region B
The rest of the state including the Southern Maryland Counties is designated as Region B, and permits the harvesting of two antlered deer during the archery season. Once the first antlered deer is taken during the 2005-06 archery season in Region B, hunters must harvest two antlerless deer, before hunting a second antlered one. Region B’s bag limit for antlerless deer is 10. An exception to this is in the Suburban Deer Archery Zone (Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s) where archery hunters may take an unlimited number of antlerless deer.
Suburban Deer Archery Zones
Deer Management Region B includes a Suburban Deer Archery Zone in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. During the archery season, bow hunters can harvest an unlimited number of antlerless deer within Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. The Bow Season (which includes crossbow or compound archery tackle) antlerless bag limit for all other Region B counties is 10. All antlerless deer taken with a bow in the Bow Hunting Suburban Zone will be recorded on the hunter’s Big Game Harvest Record. If a hunter needs another Big Game Harvest Record, one can be printed at a Maryland Sports License Agent.
Sika Archery
The Sika deer archery season follows the same season as for whitetails and continues through Jan. 31, 2006 Sika can be harvested in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. Bag limits for sika deer are one (1) antlered and one (1) antlerless. An antlered sika deer is a deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline.
Crossbow Seasons
Crossbow hunting for deer in Maryland is permitted from Jan.16 – 31, 2006. Any deer taken with a crossbow will count toward the hunter’s Regional Bow Bag Limit.
Treestand Safety
Here are some treestand safety tips provided by the Maryland DNR which will help you enjoy a safe deer hunt:
· Never carry equipment with you while climbing. Use a haul line to raise or lower your gear. Make sure guns are unloaded and broadheads are covered prior to raising or lowering firearms or bows with a haul line.
· Since most accidents occur when hunters are climbing up or down a tree, always use a climbing belt. Always use a safety belt or harness when hunting from elevated tree stands. Study manufacturer’s recommendations before using any equipment. Never use a rope to replace a safety belt.
· Check permanent tree stands every year before hunting from them, and replace any worn or weak lumber.
· Read, understand and follow the factory recommended practices and procedures when installing commercial stands. Inspect portable stands for loose nuts and bolts each time they are used.
· Choose only healthy, living trees when using climbing devices. Rough-barked trees such as oak are best. Do not use a tree that is rotten or has dead limbs.
· Never put all your weight on a single branch. Keep at least one hand and one foot on a secure place when reaching for the next hold.
· Climb higher than the stand and step down onto it. Climbing up onto it can dislodge it.
· Wear boots with non-skid soles, because steps or platforms can be slippery in rain, sleet or snow.
· Tell a dependable person where you’re hunting and when you plan on returning. Map your whereabouts and leave a note at camp, at home or in your car so that you can be found.
· Don’t fall asleep. This is a common cause of accidents. If you get drowsy, move your arms rapidly until you feel alert.
· Never wear a ring in any climbing situation. Rings can catch on tree limbs and equipment.
· As a precautionary measure, remove all logs, upturned and cutoff saplings, rocks and other obstructions on the ground below the tree stand.
· Use updated equipment. When used properly, newer tree stand equipment is solid, safe and secure. Older models of safety belts offer some protection, but newer safety harnesses offer more protection.